Managing the Financial Side of Commercial Fleets

Safety Video Tip: Adjusting to the Time Change

Feeling a little tired today? If so, you could be one of the millions of Americans still struggling to adjust to the time change on Sunday.

The loss of an hour of sleep, coupled with the change in daylight hours, means motorists may potentially experience drowsy driving and added distractions on the road, according to AAA.

“This annual rite of clock shock signals the beginning of the end of the long, cold winter,” said Chuck Mai, a spokesman for AAA Oklahoma. “But because the shifting of that one hour changes our sleep patterns, fatigued driving is a real possibility.”

Also, since the sun will be setting an hour later, it’s likely children, joggers, walkers and bicyclists will be outdoors longer, increasing their exposure and risk.

According to the National Sleep Foundation, these are signs that you’re too tired to drive and need to pull over:

Difficulty focusing, frequent blinking or heavy eyelids

Daydreaming; wandering/disconnected thoughts

Trouble remembering the last few miles driven; missing exits or traffic signs